Zimbabwe v England

A deeply unsatisfactory series concluded with yet another facile victory for England, watched
from the stands by Heath Streak, the former Zimbabwe captain. England's inability to set totals
as well as they chase them was evident as they stuttered to 104 for five in the 27th over. Better
sides would have put them under pressure, but accomplished half-centuries from Vaughan, who
hit his highest score in one-day internationals, and Geraint Jones ensured a total that was beyond
the hosts. Vaughan's 90 not out came from 99 balls with only two fours and two sixes, while
Jones's 80 took up just 75 deliveries. Their stand of 150 for the sixth wicket exceeded the record
set four days earlier in Harare by Jones and Pietersen. England capped a fourth debutant, Matt
Prior of Sussex, who was used as an opener but not in his other role of wicket-keeper. Batty was
also given his first appearance of the series. England's contempt for the standard of opposition
was evident as Vaughan used eight bowlers in Zimbabwe's innings, which featured a first one-day
half-century for Masakadza. After the game, Vaughan said the retention of official status for
Zimbabwe's under-strength side risked devaluing the currency of international cricket. Few who
saw this series would have disagreed.